EXERCISE GUIDE

Dead Bug

The Dead Bug is a beginner bodyweight core control exercise that primarily trains the abs. It is useful for training trunk control while the arms and legs move.

Primary muscles
abs
Secondary muscles
None
Equipment
bodyweight
Difficulty
beginner

TARGET AREA

Muscles worked

Primary muscles

abs

Secondary muscles

None

THE MOVEMENT

How to perform

  1. Lie on the back with the hips and knees bent and arms reaching toward the ceiling.
  2. Brace the abs so the ribs stay down and the lower back remains controlled.
  3. Slowly extend the opposite arm and leg without letting the trunk move.
  4. Return to the start and alternate sides.

IRONYOU / CORE

Core cues

  • Keep the lower back gently supported by abdominal tension.
  • Move one limb pair only as far as you can without the ribs flaring.
  • Exhale as the leg or arm extends if it helps maintain control.

STAY SHARP

Common mistakes

  • Arching the lower back as the limbs move away.
  • Moving too quickly to maintain trunk control.
  • Extending farther than you can while keeping the ribs and pelvis stable.

YOUR PROGRESS

Your strength

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IRONYOU RANK SYSTEM

Standards

Numeric standards are not published

Your IronYou rank can be calculated for this exercise, but numeric public strength standards are not currently published.

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KEEP EXPLORING

Variations

  • Related variations: Plank, Ab Wheel Rollout, and Pallof Press.
  • Choose the version that matches your equipment, joint comfort, and the movement you can repeat consistently.

EARLY ACCESS

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